Instruction and practice of skills and strategy in backpacking
and hiking and acquisition of fitness knowledge.
Athena Title
Beginning Backpacking Hiking
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of backpacking and hiking skills and practices.
Students will gain an appreciation for backpacking and hiking as a way to exercise and improve overall health in life.
Students will understand the importance of physical activity as it relates to a healthy lifestyle.
Students will be able to demonstrate their basic knowledge of health-related fitness topics, such as benefits of physical activity and exercise, FITT principle, goal-setting, mental health and exercise, and nutrition.
Topical Outline
Equipment, clothing and safety considerations
Campsite selection
Expedition behavior
Nutrition and Leave no trace
Health and fitness-related topics: Benefits of physical activity and exercise
Health and fitness-related topics: Healthy lifestyle
Health and fitness-related topics: Goal Setting (SMART Approach)
Health and fitness-related topics: Nutrition
Health and fitness-related topics: Mental health and wellness
Health and fitness-related topics: Dimensions of wellness